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WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme extended 12 months

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) have extended the Global Trade Facilitation Programme Phase II (GTFP-II) by 12 months at no additional cost. This extension maintains ongoing capacity-building and customs modernization support across participating countries.

Photo: cottonbro studio / Pexels

# WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme Extended

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) have formally finalized a 12-month no-cost extension for the Global Trade Facilitation Programme Phase II (GTFP-II), according to an announcement from the WCO on 17 June 2026.

The GTFP-II is a multilateral capacity-building initiative designed to support participating customs administrations in modernizing their trade processes, enhancing compliance frameworks, and streamlining cross-border procedures. The programme has historically focused on helping member countries align with international customs standards and best practices, including those set out in the WCO Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework) and related conventions.

By extending the programme for an additional 12 months without additional funding requirements, SECO and the WCO signal continued commitment to trade facilitation and customs cooperation among participating nations. This extension allows ongoing technical assistance, training initiatives, and advisory services to continue without interruption.

What this means for shippers

This extension maintains stable customs environments and modernized procedures in participating countries. Monitor your destination markets' customs agency announcements for any changes to clearance timelines or documentation requirements—customs modernization can improve efficiency but may introduce new compliance steps. Check with your freight forwarder or customs broker on whether your key trade lanes benefit from GTFP-II support to anticipate any procedural updates. /landed-cost

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